THE GOVERNOR ON TEE ROAD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 323, 21 January 1874, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR ON TEE ROAD.

(By our Wandering Reporter) The Governor, accompwiied by his Honor the Superintendent, left Lavn-ence, on Tuesday, about 1 p.m., arriving at Messrs. Cargill and Anderson's Station the same wening about 6. The only Btoppages made on t\e road were at Rae's to change' horses, and\at Patrick's, Millers Flat, for a few moments Vrivafer the horses, and allow the Governor ai\ opportunity to put into practice a little of hi\medical skill, by prescribing for a gentleman who was afflicted with a sore throat. lam ha>py to state that the patient has thrived rapidly, whether owing to tho medicine recommended or the raturally good constitution of the patient, lam not in a position to state. A^ few of the roadside houses were decorated -with evergreenF, but very little enthusiasm was displayed by the inhabitants. A feeble attempt at cheering was made by a party -.of sami-inobiiated shearers, which had the effect of fiightening the Governor's team, and calling forth threats of vengeance fvom the mounted trooper, who was escorting the party. The viee-rcgal procession left Messrs. Cargill and Anderson's for Clyde about 2 "p.m. on Wednesday. The lateness of their departure was owing to_ the inclement weather during the early part of the day. Even Roxburgh did not escape his Excellency's eagle eye. The Camp buildings of that rising township were visited, but no demonstration of any kind was made by the people, who sensibly acted up to his desire, and allowed Htm to.come and go as he pleased, unknown and uncared for — but few recognizing in the plain-looking individual handling the ribbons the Governor of all the New Zeal anders. The only incident worthy of note at Roxburgh, was the eremony of knighthood ■ .conferred upon H. MD , Etq., for valuable service's reniered to his Excellency. The \Eoxbu-*h people will no doubt appreciate the * Conor cWerred on one of their respected citizens. The next stage was Kemp s Hotel, on Bald Hill Flat, where a fresh team of fcorsaswasin waiting; also a cold collation, provided by Mr. Kemp, in anticipation that tt«XJorerho? and suite would be -ready for a ~ feed aftk 1 crossing the Old Man' Range on acoltf'vwet day. Mr- Kemp's hospitality was n6V;lioW<?r,, taken advantage of; a- nip of « mountain' dew* was partaken of, and then

the party started for Alexandra — Carmichael taking the ribbons from his Excellency, the bleak weather or dread of a strange road apparently inducing his Excellency to resign his seat to a more experienced man. On arriving at Alexandra the party drew up before the Town Hall. His Honor the Superintendent introduced the Mayor, W. Beresford, Esq., and several of the principal inhabitants. The Mayor invited the party to alight and partake of some refreshment, a first-class spread having been provided by the Corporation ; his Excellency, however, politely declined, stating that he wished to reach Clyde before dark. After shaking hands with a few he drove away, a very feeble attempt being made at cheering, but a real old English hurrah went up to the heavens when the Clyde Town Clerk drove through Broadway in hot haste to overtake the Governor's party. He had been sent from Clyde to precede the party, but miscalculated the duration of their stay. After the visitors took their departure the natives, led by the worthy Mayor, proceeded to dispose of the good things provided, to which not a few did ample justice. After the spread was cleared from the table, dancing commenced, and a very enjoyable evening was spent, Mr. George Smith kindly providing the music. The following day tho school children were regaled with a feast, and the happy appearance they presented appeared to console the parents for the loss of an opportunity of drinking wine with his Excellency. The party arrived in Clyde about 9 p.m., where they were met by the Mayor, B. Naylor, Esq., and Town Councillors, who invited his Excellency to the Town Hall, where they presented him with an address of welcome. The Governor briefly responded, and then adjourned to, Eames' Dunstan Hotel for dinner, which would no doubt be partaken of with zest. His Excellency's appetite would probably he sharpened by the sight of so many good things provided for him on the road. The party left for Cromwell the following day about 9 a.m., but they did not stay in the city of the Roundhead 3. Probably his Excellency claims kin to the Stuart family, and retain ß * feeling of tho old antipathy even to the name of Cromwell. One of the late candidates for the office of Mayor remarked that his Excellency probably was so overpowered with the magnificence of the city of Clyde that he never dreamt the few straggling houses he vras passing was the city of Cromwell. I followed in the Governor's track no longer, not being able to get over the slight offered to Cromwell. To follow in the wake of him who slighted Olago's favored feyr — mayors, councillors, J.P.s, &c. — was more than human nature could bear. I wish his Excellency bon voyage. The next intimation of a visit from his Excellency on the goldfields will be taken as a child takes a dose of senna — with anything but pleasure.